Passed peacefully in his 92nd year at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital on Dec. 29th. Beloved husband of wife Beth Abraham Farnsworth, and father of sons Carl (Wilma), Joe, Pete (Patty), loving grandfather of Laura, Bryan, Mike (Mariah), Chris, and is survived by many nephews and nieces. Predeceased by father William Farnsworth and mother Myrtle Tooke Farnsworth, six brothers and five sisters.
Mel was born the youngest of nine siblings in 1931, and raised on a farm near Huntsville, Ont. At the age of 16 he made his way south to Paris, Ont. where he started his career with Canada Post, met the love of his life, Beth, and started raising their family. Advancements with Canada Post led first to Stratford, then to Postmaster of the Goderich office in 1974. In his retirement, he made a second career in re-upholstering furniture.
Mel had a strong sense of community service and found many ways to give back, from his service to the Baptist church, to his volunteer work with the Victorian Order of Nurses, the Canadian Cancer Society and his long-time membership in the district Rotary Club. He was often busy helping others – giving rides, buying groceries and delivering Meals on Wheels.
Mel was raised in a musical family – he enjoyed singing in choir and playing piano. He also had a great passion for camping and canoeing, and experienced the country from coast to coast; one of his greatest pleasures, inherited from his father before him, was to sit by a campfire at the end of the day.
In keeping with Mel’s wishes, the only memorial will be a private family gathering. Donations may be made in Mel’s memory to either the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Peter Tuttle
So sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. I always enjoyed Mel’s company when I was lucky enough to become part of family and friends by being married to Beth’s beautiful sister Mary.
All the best,
Pete
Susan Conroy
Dear Carl, Joe, Peter and families
Our sincere condolences to you all.
Fond memories of Uncle Mel that will last forever.
Gerry and Susan
Jennifer Black
My deepest sympathy to the Farnsworth family. Many good memories of Mel and the families. He will be missed.
Lynn Ferguson
I will remember Mel for his supportive comments and positive outlook. He will be missed.
Vicki Henry
Our family met Mel through the Baptist church. He was always such a friendly, welcoming presence. He encouraged Jordan in his musical endeavours and was a great influence. He will be missed by so many! Our sincere condolences on your loss! Ted, Vicki and Jordan Henry
Jean Scott
Thinking of Beth, and your entire family, as you mourn the loss of Mel.
Fond memories of Mel mostly at Abraham reunions.
Kind regards to you all.
Sharon, Jean and Ruth (granddaughter, and daughters of Beth’s cousin Alison).
Sharri MacDonald
Dear Carl, Wilma, Laura, and Bryan.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father and grandpa. Mel always had a smile on his face. I know that you will have many many memories to share for years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sharri
Lois Tooke
My husband Len was Mel’s double cousin as his mother Gertie Farnsworth was Mel’s cousin when she married Ralph Tooke and she became an aunt to her cousins. Len and Mel and the families were close.
Mel was a great guy.
My daughter Shannon and her husband Jeff spent a day with Mel in Goderich a few months ago and marvelled at what he could tell them.
My sympathy to the family.
Jacquie Rahbek
Our deepest sympathy to the Farnsworth family
I have so many good memories of our friendship with Mel & Beth during our 35 years in Goderich
With Love & Prayers
Jacquie and family
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Family – Beth and Mel – will be missed on Elizabeth St. They were both an example of community service – to many –
with sympathy to Beth and family – Cecelia Denomme
Judi williams
My deepest sympathy to all the Farnsworth families ….. RIP
Mark H
I didn’t know him personally, but I just want to send out my condolences to the family. May his memory, good works and love for God grant you some comfort in this time of great loss.
Bev Whetstone
Mel and Beth were neighbors of mine for many many years. Beth sat out on her lawn chair and read her book while Mel whistled and worked in his gardens. It is going to be strange having someone else living in their house. They were terrific neighbors and a beautiful couple. Rest in peace Mel.
Kim and Wayne Chapman and Ferguson
Dear Carl and Wilma and family…
We are saddened to hear of your father’s passing, Carl. We send our love and hugs and condolences to you both and your family
Barbara Desjardins
Dear Carl and Wilma….sorry to hear of the loss of your dear father. He was a well known and respected man in Goderich. Sending a special hug….Barbara Desjardins (Wild) and Bill Hayden
Mary Ellen Coombs
Dear Beth, Carl, Wilma, Joe, Pete, Patty, Laura, Brian, Mike and Chris,
We extend our very deepest sympathies with Mel’s passing. Mel was a man who devoted his life to acts of service. He cared deeply for his family and he will be missed. As a child I enjoyed many camping trips with Mel, Beth and Pam – wonderful memories.
Love,
Brian and Mary Ellen
Margo Bettger-Hahn
We have so many wonderful memories of your Dad, as he and our Dad had such a great friendship. We loved being able to join in for breakfasts uptown or coffee time at Tim Horton’s with him and with your Mom. He was so devoted to her, as well as to all his friends and community. Our sincerest sympathy, Margo Bettger-Hahn and family.
Mike Jeffrey
My sympathy to Mel’s family. He was a great customer and friend.
lisa brindley
Pete and Patty and family my sincerest condolences on the passing of your father. My prayers are with you.
Jim Bissett
Patty, Pete , Joe and Family
Sorry to hear of your loss, our condolences.
Jim,Denise and Family
Susan Glousher
Our deepest sympathy on Mel’s passing. We enjoyed our interactions with Mel over the years. He did some re-upholstering for us and whenever I went over to his house, in season, I loved seeing his beautiful garden. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Susan and Dave Glousher
John Banter
Our condolences to the Farnsworth Family . Mel was a client of mine for many years, as well as a fellow Rotarian. Always willing to help in any way possible always a gentleman. R.I.P. John and Laurie banter
William Fry
Our deepest sympathy as you remember Mel
Karen and Bill Fry